Arthur Francis Smith

Arthur Francis Smith, age 82, of Arlington, Texas, passed away on Thursday, April 6, 2023.

Art was born on September 23, 1940, in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia, and was one of four siblings. He moved to Miami, Florida, as a teenager where he met his future wife of 60 years, Arlene Klein, through his friend Raymond, who also happened to be Arlene’s brother. Both families attended Holy Family Catholic Church and School, and while at North Miami High School Raymond dared Art to take Arlene on a date. The rest is history, as the pair married on June 2, 1962, and had three children together: “Little Artie”, Tim and Bonnie. Little Artie passed away at the age of nine in 1972.

Along the way, the family relocated to Arlington, Texas, in 1976. His career included working for the Postal Service and then as an Air Traffic Controller in multiple states. Through the years, Art was involved in multiple church and school organizations as well, including coaching track, starting St. Maria Goretti’s annual Kountry Karnival, and spending over 25 years being involved with Ulster Project Arlington.

Art had a very infectious personality, bringing joy into any room he entered and filling it with laughter. He was also very invested in the lives of his family, celebrating all of their successes including graduations, weddings and job promotions, typically telling everyone involved that they “did a good job, proud of you kiddo”. He loved to be the man behind the camera, capturing memories that should be cherished so that they could be remembered for years afterward.

Art also had an unsatisfiable sweet tooth, making sure to take a taste of every dessert that was present at family meals. His favorite meal of all time was Thanksgiving dinner, and he fulfilled that craving by requesting it for his birthday meal every year. He was a big Philadelphia Eagles fan, rooting them on despite being surrounded by Cowboys fans.

Art was passionate about his hobbies, which included an extensive study and research of his genealogy, tinkering in his garage, and a passion for art projects including painting on canvas and DiamondArt pictures. Art was also an outdoorsy man, and he loved gardening in his backyards and going on camping trips with the kids and eventually grandkids. He loved to travel, as he and Arlene traveled to see family and friends, visiting all 50 of the United States and traveling internationally to Ireland.

Arthur is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Elizabeth Smith; son Arthur Francis Smith III; sister Elizabeth (Betty) Casey; and sister Claire Tierney. He is survived by wife Arlene Smith of Arlington, Texas; son Timothy Smith and wife Laura of Arlington, Texas; daughter Bonnie Govlik and husband Richard of Weatherford, Texas; grandson Ryen Govlik and wife Ashley of Crowley, Texas; granddaughter Victoria Bolin and husband Brandon of Aubrey, Texas; grandson Trenton Govlik and wife Syvanna of Weatherford, Texas; grandson Bradley Smith and wife Kenzie of Burleson, Texas; sister Theresa (Terry) Sadule; and many sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

A visitation for Arthur will be held Tuesday, April 18, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Moore Funeral Home, 1219 North Davis Drive, Arlington, TX 76012, followed by a funeral service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.moore-funeralhome.com for the Smith family.